In a bout that would make both classic wrestling fans and mob-movie enthusiasts blush, Tony D’Angelo—the “Don of NXT”—retained his North American Championship at WWE NXT’s Halloween Havoc. The match was more than a standard title defense; it was a Tables, Ladders, and Scares showdown that could’ve been a mob scene out of “The Godfather.” But instead of keeping things simple, D’Angelo went full “family business,” with an entourage that included cousins, friends, and maybe a few pizza delivery guys.
Facing him was the formidable Oba Femi, the longest-reigning North American Champion who likely spent more time researching ladders and zip ties than the average Home Depot shopper. Early on, D’Angelo sent Femi crashing through the barricade like he was overdue for a break. But then, the “don” took a surprise knee injury, either an actual accident or an impressively strategic display of dramatics. While D’Angelo “winced” in pain, Femi, clearly well-prepared, whipped out zip ties like he was about to bag a fugitive. He secured D’Angelo to the bottom rope, giving the term “locked down” a whole new meaning.
But let’s not forget—this is the D’Angelo Family, and family sticks together. In stormed Adriana Rizzo, looking ready to untie D’Angelo but also wielding a crowbar because, well, why not? She held off Femi long enough for D’Angelo to bust out of his restraints. D’Angelo then delivered a jaw-dropping spear that sent both men crashing through a conveniently placed ladder.
Not done yet, Femi hit his powerbomb finisher. But the D’Angelo Family’s bond—and perhaps a few strategically planted table remnants—kept their guy in the game. With a little help from Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo and Luca Crusifino, D’Angelo capped off the night by driving Femi through a table with a spinebuster and claiming the pinfall.
It’s safe to say that while Halloween Havoc was technically just a wrestling event, the D’Angelo Family showed it was also a celebration of teamwork, ladders, and the occasional crowbar. Wrestling fans and mobsters alike might say it was a match you couldn’t refuse.